The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has renewed its call for timely administration of the Tdap vaccine, underscoring its importance in protecting students from tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis three potentially serious infectious diseases.

As part of its ongoing public health awareness efforts, the Ministry highlighted that receiving the Tdap booster is a key preventive measure to maintain students’ health and reduce the risk of infections that can lead to severe complications, long-term disability or even death. The Ministry also noted that vaccination certificates for these diseases are required by many local and international universities as part of their admission criteria.

In messages shared across its official social media platforms, MoPH confirmed that the Tdap vaccine is included in Qatar’s national immunisation programme. The booster dose is commonly mandated by universities worldwide, with health officials stressing that widespread vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps limit the spread of disease within the wider community.

The Ministry warned that school settings can increase the risk of transmission, as infections spread more easily among large groups of students. Ensuring that vaccinations are given on time, it said, plays a crucial role in creating safer learning environments and reinforcing collective responsibility for public health.

Qatar continues to achieve strong results in childhood immunisation, with coverage for the third Tdap dose among children consistently remaining high. In many instances, vaccination rates exceed 90 percent, placing the country above international averages and reflecting the success of its national immunisation strategies.

MoPH also pointed to its annual school-based vaccination campaign targeting Year 10 students, which aims to protect adolescents against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough. The campaign is carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC).

This school-centred approach is recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an effective means of preventing the spread of these diseases. The WHO recommends administering a Tdap booster every 10 years to ensure long-term immunity.

The Ministry reaffirmed that protecting students through vaccination remains one of the most effective preventive health measures and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of future generations.